LegionellaRisiko

LegionellaRisiko refers to the risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever, which are both caused by *Legionella* bacteria. These bacteria are commonly found in warm, fresh water environments, such as hot tubs, cooling towers, and plumbing systems within buildings. The primary concern is the potential for these bacteria to aerosolize and be inhaled by people, leading to infection.

The risk is heightened in situations where water systems are not adequately maintained or are not kept at temperatures that inhibit bacterial growth. Stagnant water, insufficient disinfection, and the presence of nutrients like rust or sediment can create ideal conditions for *Legionella* to proliferate. Older buildings with complex plumbing systems or those that have been recently renovated and experienced periods of water stagnation are also considered higher risk.

Transmission occurs exclusively through inhalation of contaminated water droplets or aerosols. Person-to-person transmission has not been observed. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are flu-like, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and can progress to severe pneumonia. Pontiac fever is a milder, flu-like illness without pneumonia. Prevention strategies focus on maintaining water systems properly, including regular cleaning, disinfection, and temperature control, as well as minimizing aerosol-generating activities in areas with potential *Legionella* contamination.